Definition
A 301 redirect is a permanent HTTP status code that indicates a web page has been moved to a new URL. It instructs web browsers and search engines to automatically redirect users and bots from the old URL to the new one.
Function
The main function of a 301 redirect is to preserve SEO value and user experience when a web page is relocated. It ensures that any traffic to the old URL is smoothly redirected to the new location, preventing broken links and maintaining link equity. This is particularly useful for website migrations, URL restructuring, and when consolidating content to avoid duplicate pages.
Related Terms
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The practice of optimizing a website to improve its visibility in search engine results, often making the use of redirects like the 301 redirect crucial for maintaining link equity.
- HTTP Status Codes: The response codes sent from a server indicating the success or failure of a request, where a 301 redirect signifies that a resource has permanently moved to another URL.
- URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address used to access resources on the internet, which may change in a 301 redirect when a page is moved to a different location.
Here is the Wikipedia Article
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